FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2012

DEP LAUNCHES NEW SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

DEP’s social media expansion includes launching accounts on Pinterest, the third most popular social network behind Facebook and Twitter.

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has launched three new social media accounts as part of an ongoing effort to keep Floridians and online users better informed of research, events and news related to the Department. Social media users can now find the latest news on Department programs through Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook, in addition to the Online Newsroom.

“DEP is full of hard-working and talented folks who do a fantastic job serving Floridians and protecting our natural resources every day,” said Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard, Jr. “Using social media is a great way to keep Floridians and people worldwide updated on the exciting initiatives going on throughout our agency and at our award-winning state parks.”

By implementing these new accounts, the Department is working to improve public interaction and increase educational outreach among Floridians by keeping in tune with the ever-growing social media trend.

The Department encourages Floridians and interested users worldwide to follow the accounts below for news related to the Department and Florida's environment:

For information on the Department’s wide-ranging programs and daily activities, Twitter users can follow @FLDEPNEWS. This account provides followers with information on statewide, local and division-specific information and activities. From public workshops to environmental news and new projects, this Twitter account will keep users informed of the day-to-day activities within the Department.

The Aquatic Florida Pinterest page displays a variety of boards that represent Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas, the office responsible for managing both inland and coastal areas, 41 aquatic preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Users get an in-depth look into more than 4 million acres of the most valuable submerged lands and select coastal uplands in Florida. From restoration efforts, citizen scientists, and ocean critters, this Pinterest page displays the best of Florida’s aquatic life.

Pinterest users can also explore Florida’s exciting greenways and trails, springs, flora and fauna on the new Florida State Parks Pinterest page. Users are just clicks away from beautiful photography of Florida’s award-winning parks as well as camping ideas, park events and family friendly activities.

These new accounts will join three other existing social media accounts that the Department actively updates. Together, these accounts reach more than 40,000 users.

This account provides users with breaking environmental news and information. During a time of need, @FLDEPAlert keeps over 2,800 followers informed of environmental alerts, information and emergency response activity.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s principal
environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s
environment and natural resources. DEP enforces federal and state environmental
laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates
solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires
environmentally-sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a
statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves.